"We can't do our job in law enforcement or fire without the help of the public and it's that partnership that we develop, and it's events like this, that really bond that partnership. And it shows the public the assets that are available to them."

At Sam's Club several community safety resources attended, including the Grand Blanc police and fire departments and ambulance service. Attendees, especially children, were able to look and climb through the departments' vehicles.

"It's neat to see the community come and see what they have," said Grand Blanc Township Sgt. Matt Simpson, gesturing to all the different public safety vehicles and equipment. "This is the taxpayers'."

Simpson was there with Kase, the township's K-9, and demonstrated how the dog could sniff out items such as drugs as well as attack. Simpson said the event, formerly held at Genesys Regional Medical Center, was the best he's seen so far.

Other organizations taught community members about everything from firearm safety to the laws and safety of booster seats for children.

Donald Lada, director of Brown Funeral Home in Grand Blanc, was there representing Escape School, an organization that teaches children how to avoid predators and notify adults of suspicious behavior.

"Safety is everyone's business, and we never want to take it for granted. This whole thing is about safety and how we can protect each other and keep each other informed," he said.

At the Sam's Club event there was also an inflatable "bounce house" and slide as well as live entertainment from Grand Blanc's Beth Stalker, who appeared on "American Idol."

"It's just a good community thing," Cieciwa said. "We deal with neighbors every day."

Police say knowing your neighbors is one of the best crime deterrents. Grand Blanc police Sgt. Christopher Rhind said especially with an increasing number of foreclosed homes, it's important for neighbors to watch vacant properties and alert police if they see something out of the ordinary.

"The community that knows each other, it makes our job easier," Rhind said.